Plant Passion
Claire Brown of Plantpassion in East Clandon celebrates seasonal British blooms with a homemade vintage planter – the perfect gift for this year’s Mother’s Day on March 15.
Celebrate the season: choose bulbs such as primroses, hyacinths or miniature daffodils, which are dainty enough to fit within your chosen teacup or dish.
Create drainage: carefully drill a small hole in the base of your vessel, using a ceramic tile bit.
Get hands-on Ensure that there is plenty of compost beneath and around the edge of the bulb as you are potting. Mixing in a thin layer of sharp grit or vermiculite to the soil will aid water run-off. Water lightly once you are done.
No time to make your own? Ask your florist to gather together daffodils, tulips and anemones with rosemary and trailing ivy for a beautiful springtime bouquet.
plantpassion.co.uk; 07813 456865; @plantpassion
Run Wild: Perfect Spring Reading
Running Free, author Richard Askwith celebrates the joys of running outdoors. Listen in...
“Many people are put off by the idea of wild running. Unmarked pathways, waterlogged fields and cold temperatures – but what’s the big deal? Perhaps it’s because we’re so busy. Who has time for unnecessary obstacles?
“Step outside and it’s hard to resist the lure of the countryside. The feel of the ground, the warmth rising from the grass, the scent of drying mud, a beautiful sunrise flooding the fields, woods and hills with golden light, and the sound of wildlife. Do I really have to cut this short?
“In Surrey, I love running to the top of Box Hill for its breathtaking views across the North Downs. This is happiness, I tell myself, this is life.”
Feel inspired? The paperback of Running Free is published on March 5 (Yellow Jersey Press, £8.99). For your chance to win a copy, send your details to (by Mar 31): Running Free, Sheengate Publishing, Unit A4, Kingsway Business Park, Oldfield Road, Hampton TW12 2HD or enter online at essentialsurrey.co.uk/richard-askwith-running-free.
Spring Craft
Ever wanted to try your hand at pottery, learn to quilt or work with stained glass? Fancy giving homemade cakes a special touch with sugar paste flowers and figurines? Well, now’s your chance to follow your dream.
On March 7 and 8, Sutton College of Learning for Adults (SCOLA) is running taster courses in these, and many more, crafts. Each session (£30) lasts one day. You can then sign up to a longer programme of classes, if you wish to take things further. And also on the 7th (11am – 3pm) is the annual SCOLA Spring Craft Fair. Head along for handmade jewellery, glassware, ceramics, skincare products and, of course, freshly baked cakes.